It was close in the first half, but the UNC was unable to keep up with Virginia following halftime in a 31-21 loss to the surging Cavaliers.

The Tar Heels came out of the gates hot, scoring a touchdown on an 11 play, 75-yard drive on its first possession. UNC averaged 6.3 yards per play in the first half and racked up 177 yards, the majority of which came through the air via junior quarterback Nathan Elliott. As such, the halftime score was a close 17-14 lead for the Cavaliers.

Unfortunately, UNC was not able to find the same success in the second half. Virginia opened the third quarter with a touchdown drive as compared to the Tar Heels’ three straight three-and-outs.

It was an up-and-down game for Elliott. The junior was able to find success throwing the ball down the field at times, but also missed wide open receivers at other times. Overall, he finished 22/38 for 271 yards and two touchdowns.

The Tar Heels also struggled running the ball, which had been one of the team’s strengths heading into the game. Tailbacks Antonio Williams, Michael Carter and Jordon Brown combined for just 70 yards on 19 carries (3.6 yards per carry).

On the opposite side of the ball, Virginia quarterback Bryce Perkins lived up to his “dual-threat” label. He passed for 217 yards and three scores, but also ran for 112 yards and another score on the ground. Perkins was quickly established as Virginia’s focal point on offense and the Cavaliers ran him 21 times in the game.

To UNC’s credit, the Tar Heels made the game close at the end. A 1-yard rushing touchdown by Carter cut into the lead and made it a 31-21 game with eight minutes remaining in the game.

However, an incomplete pass from Elliott on fourth down with two minutes remaining in the game gave the ball back to the Cavaliers.

This loss drops North Carolina to 1-6 on the season and 1-4 in conference play. With Georgia Tech, Duke, Western Carolina and NC State remaining on the schedule, the Tar Heels will have to rebound in order to secure a win or two to end the season.

Related Stories
‹
Art’s Angle: Counting The Errs
Those long-suffering Carolina fans who had a hard time getting over Mack Brown’s last trip to Virginia in 1996 have a new nightmare to remember. Brown’s 2020 team, which had climbed to No. 5 in the rankings and fell ten spots after a 31-28 loss at Florida State, flubbed his return visit to Charlottesville in […]
UNC Football vs. Virginia: How To Watch, Cord-Cutting Options and Kickoff Time
After a dominant win over NC State, Carolina hits the road to face off against Virginia — a team that has given the Tar Heels trouble in recent years. Last year, Virginia came to Chapel Hill and left with a 38-31 victory after star quarterback Bryce Perkins accounted for nearly 500 total yards. This year […]
Mondays with Mack: Another Blowout Victory over NC State
UNC football coach Mack Brown joined Ron Stutts this morning for “Mondays with Mack,” presented by Chapel Hill Tire. Read his entire interview below: Coach, I’m looking forward to talking to you. Just wanted to say congratulations on that big win. Thank you, Ron. It’s a lot of fun to win. It’s hard to win, […]
Bryce Perkins Carries Virginia to Victory Over UNC Football in ACC Coastal Division Shootout
With a chance to claim sole possession of first place in the ACC Coastal Division on Saturday night at Kenan Stadium, the UNC football team had no answers for Virginia quarterback Bryce Perkins—who led the Cavaliers to a 38-31 victory over the Tar Heels. In a game that produced the most points this rivalry has […]
UNC Football vs. Virginia: How To Watch, Cord-Cutting Options and Kickoff Time
After a thrilling, last-second win against rival Duke, UNC football faces off against Virginia in a game that has huge implications in the ACC Coastal race. Both UNC and Virginia are tied at 3-2 atop the ACC Coastal division. Win this game, and you’re in first place in the division with a good shot at […]
The Morning News: New CHCCS Board Member, Newmark on UNC Football Probe
In today's news: the CHCCS board appoints a new member, and UNC athletic director Steve Newmark addresses the recent football investigation.
UNC Athletic Director, Chancellor Say 'Corrective Action Plan' Being Developed After Football Investigation
One week after UNC closed its internal investigation into the Tar Heel football program for potential conduct and policy violations, the university's leaders shed more light on the decision and their next steps.
The Morning News: Chatham vs. Data Centers, CHCCS Board Vacancy, UNC Player Eligibility
In today's news: the Chapel Hill-Carrboro school board will appoint a new member, and four UNC athletes have their eligibility restored.
Chansky's Notebook: Snap Decisions
Art Chansky says it may be time for Bill Belichick and UNC to make a change at the quarterback position following Saturday's loss at Clemson.
Are They Eligible? Keeping Up with UNC's Rece Verhoff, Cameron Fens and Others
Student-athletes across the country are currently embroiled in an eligibility fight against the NCAA. The athletes, who graduated high school in 2022, are seeking a fifth year of eligibility under the NCAA’s new rules. However, the NCAA is countering that the rule only applies to students currently in college from the 2026-27 academic year forward. […]
›